OHS DDS/PhD Program

Have you thought about pursuing research on problems in oral health sciences that relate to clinical dentistry? Do you want a long term career in academic dentistry where you will pursue clinical teaching, research and service in one of the nation's finest schools of dentistry? If yes, you might be interested in a combined program that leads to the DDS and PhD degrees.

The DDS/PhD program at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry provides training in dentistry and research through a series of clinical and research experiences and course work. Students are admitted to both the DDS program and the Oral Health Sciences PhD program. The DDS/PhD program will prepare outstanding scientists with research emphases in areas of oral health and disease, who also will have the finest clinical preparation. Such individuals will be among the leaders in modern academic dentistry. The DDS/PhD students are funded through various mechanisms that have specific critiera and limitations. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

The program is designed for completion in about eight years, and begins with a research rotation the summer before the first year of the predoctoral curriculum. Research and DDS advisors guide each student through the dual degree curriculum. At the conclusion of the program, the DDS and PhD degrees are awarded simultaneously. Financial support, reviewed annually, is provided to students with outstanding academic achievements.

Applicants for the DDS/PhD program must first be accepted into the DDS program at the University of Michigan. As early as possible in the admissions process, students should submit a letter of interest in DDS/PhD combined training addressed to: